Mainly what are the plus/minuses of SOLAR THERMAL DISHES but any information you have on SOLAR POWER would be a great help!

Thanks, 10 points best answer!
Oh, and by the way!
I kinda mean using solar power for companies like as a alternative to using coal, not just for your own use at home by setting up your own private solar powered devices!

When light shines on a photovoltaic (PV) cell, there are three things that can occur – 1) it an be reflected, 2) it can be absorbed, and 3) it can pass through it. The PV cell is capable of converting light into electricity by the very nature of this semiconductor material. This material has properties of metals and insulators.
When a semiconductor absorbs light, photons of light can transfer their energy to electrons. The electrons in turn flow through the material as electrical current. This current flows out of the semiconductor to metal contacts and then makes its way out to power your home or send it beyond to the electric grid.

This video show how photovoltaic solar cells work to convert sunlight into useable energy.